THz emission characteristics from p/n junctions with metal lines under non-bias conditions for LSI failure analysis

Opt Express. 2011 May 23;19(11):10864-73. doi: 10.1364/OE.19.010864.

Abstract

We have investigated the characteristics of THz emissions from p/n junctions with metallic lines under non-bias conditions. The waveforms, spectra, and polarizations depend on the length and shape of the lines. This indicates that the transient photocurrents from p/n junctions flow into the metallic lines that emit THz waves and act as an antenna. We have successfully demonstrated the non-contact inspection of open defects of multi-layered interconnects in a large-scale integrated circuit using the laser THz emission microscope (LTEM). The p/n junctions connected to the defective interconnects can be identified by comparing the LTEM images of normal and defective circuits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't